The Confederation of All Nagaland State Service Employees’ Association (CANSSSEA) has announced that its members will begin a symbolic protest on Thursday, September 25, against the state government’s recent decision regarding the induction of non-State Civil Service (non-SCS) officers into the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). As part of the protest, employees across CANSSSEA-affiliated associations in Kohima will wear black ribbons or badges while on duty, marking their “bitter resentment” over what they call the government’s disregard for merit-based recruitment procedures. The demonstration, described as peaceful and disciplined, is aimed at sending a strong message to the authorities without disrupting the normal functioning of government offices.
In a circular issued by the association, CANSSSEA criticized the government’s move to conduct the screening process for non-SCS officers without reinstating the Advertisement Circular dated March 10, 2025. The Confederation said this was despite repeated representations and appeals made by employees over the past months. The association further clarified that members would continue to follow official protocols, attend work, and maintain discipline, stressing that the protest would remain confined to office spaces within the state capital. Employees from non-affiliated associations have also been encouraged to join the movement in solidarity.
CANSSSEA warned that the government’s approach could weaken the integrity of recruitment into the IAS, bypassing legally established norms and threatening the principle of merit-based progression. Leaders of the Confederation said that if the government fails to address their concerns, further phases of agitation will be planned and announced by the Core Committee and Action Committee.
